BBC presenter Rachael Bland dies at the age of 40

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BBC presenter Rachael Bland died at the age of 40, almost two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her family confirmed that she had died peacefully at home early in the morning.

Bland was a familiar voice on Radio 5 Live as a presenter and news anchor, and was congratulated for co-hosting You, Me and the Big C, a cancer podcast.

She has also documented her life with the disease on an award-winning blog.

After the announcement, Rachael's husband, Steve, said in a statement: "It was an incredibly talented television channel and a wonderful and beloved girl, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a woman and especially her husband. mother Freddie. .

"We are all so comforted and proud of the tireless and tireless work she has done since her diagnosis to reduce the stigma associated with cancer and to prove that it is possible to live life to the fullest, even when we face great challenges in our lives. daily. In the end, even though his body was low, his voice was strongest and most powerful. "

He describes it as "perfect in every respect", adding "it will be missed more than words can say".

Bland's death comes two days after his revelation on Twitter the doctors had given him only a few days to live. She tweeted: "In the words of the legendary Frank S – I'm afraid that the time has come for my friends – and suddenly.

"I was told that I only had days, it's surreal, thanks a lot for all the support I've received."

In August, the Broadcaster, born in Cardiff, said that she was writing a memoir to her two-year-old son, Freddie, as a "love letter to my beautiful boy," which she missed on the third anniversary of a few years ago. days later.

She began her BBC career more than 15 years ago under the name Rachael Hodges and married another BBC reporter, Steve Bland, in 2013.

In addition to appearing in 5 Live, she has worked as a news anchor on BBC News Channel, BBC World and BBC North West Tonight.

In November 2016, she was diagnosed with triple negative primary breast cancer after finding a lump under her arm.

Author's right of the image
Instagram: bigclittleme

The presenter started chemotherapy just after Christmas that year, underwent a mastectomy the following July and participated in a clinical trial of immunotherapy in May, but the cancer had spread too long to that she continues to follow this treatment.

Throughout her illness, she aroused admiration for her dignified and positive attitude and for her efforts to present cancer on her podcast – with the slogan "Put CAN in Cancer" – and her blog titled Big C Little Me.

Rachael presented the podcast with Lauren Mahon and Deborah James. They talked to famous guests and discussed practical issues, including hair loss, tips on managing finances and telling your loved ones.

The podcast reached the top spot on the iTunes chart on Tuesday – a Bland ambition that her husband tweeted made her "very happy".

"The whole process of sharing has been very cathartic," Rachael wrote in an article published online Tuesday. "It has been a real support to know that people have found them so useful through their treatment, but in a selfish way, they have helped me just as much."

But the 40-year-old also talked about how his biggest fear was leaving Freddie without a mother.

"I'm not afraid to die," she wrote in the Daily Telegraph in August. "I only fear for those I leave behind For my darling Freddie … for Steve and our families."

She added, "Steve and I are not discussing how he will manage without me, but we are talking about all the things I want him to do with Freddie when I'm gone.

"He is a very emotional man, so I know he's going to cry a lot but he's also the most amazing father and will continue to stay strong for our son."

Bland said that she was looking for a publisher for her dissertation, which she described as "my love letter to my handsome boy who, I hope, will leave my imprint forever." my love for him ".

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In his article on The Huffington Post, Bland revealed that the book was almost finished. She also said that she was packing gifts for her son to open every birthday until age 21.

"Personal belongings like my notebooks – so he could see what my writing looked like, or the scent he helped pick out earlier this year so he could remember my scent."

Tribute to "Brave Rachael"

Steve Bland paid tribute to the BBC presenter, posting news of his death on his Twitter account. He wrote, "We are crushed, but she would like me to thank everyone who has been interested in her story or who has sent messages of support, you will never know how important they were to her."

Jonathan Wall, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "Rachael was part of the 5 Live network and today is a very sad day for all of us and for many of our listeners.

"She was a very talented broadcaster and a loyal colleague of many, and more than that, she spent the last year of her life in the best year of her life by broadcasting the largest cancer television show. ultimately facing death because of cancer.

"She has made a big difference in so many lives, we are all very proud of what she has accomplished: a true heroic broadcaster and a lovely wife, daughter and mother."

Other people to pay tribute include broadcaster Dan Walker, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and former Busted member Charlie Simpson.

Former Chancellor George Osborne tweeted describing his death as "very sad news," while deputy Labor leader Tom Watson said Rachael's family "should be very proud of the incredible courage they have shown".

BBC chief executive Tony Hall said, "Rachael was a popular and inspiring journalist, everyone was moved by her courage and dignity, and we will miss her many listeners and the BBC staff. of friends in this difficult time. "

BBC Director of Information Fran Unsworth extended his condolences to all BBC staff: "Rachael was a brilliant journalist and a valued colleague, sharing her cancer experience with courage and courage. . "

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5 Live by Tony Livesey, pays tribute to his friend and colleague:

I met Rachael at my first 5 live show in 2010 when she held my hand in the air while I was learning the ropes.

We then broadcast together many times and more recently, she was my co-presenter on Drive every Friday.

She was never afraid to take mickey, subvert the norm and her default position was a cheerfulness that left many of us stunned when chemotherapy, cold cap, pills tests

The only time she was speaking privately was how her husband Steve and his son Freddie would manage without her. Even then, she rolled up her sleeves, wrote a life guide for Freddie and found a publisher.

"Tell Freddie everything," I urged him. "He will want to know everything about his fabulous mom."

We here at 5 Live can certainly tell him some stories.

There was the time she stole my moment from the story.

I was about to become the first 5 Live voice of our new home in Salford. The posters had been printed, the bigwigs were lined up through the glass. I had prepared my first words: "A small step, etc …" Then, while I was breathing, Rachael entered the studio, sat down and read the news.

Hers was the first voice to be heard.

She blinked and went out.

Read more about Tony Livesey's tribute to Rachel Bland here

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